COLUMBUS, GA - Florida Atlantic University began play, Friday, at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, GA. The Lady Owls, who are receiving votes in the latest NFCA Coaches Top-25 poll, were defeated by no. 12 LSU, 4-2, and no. 3 California, 4-1. The tournament features some of the top teams in the nation and continues on Saturday before concluding Sunday.

All of the runs against LSU came from home runs. The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on solo homers by Lauren Castle and Stephanie Hill.

In the sixth, Julie Wiese hit a two-run, two-out homer to put LSU on top 4-2.

Amanda Morin (6-2) suffered the loss. She allowed four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and two walks. Cavanaugh collected two of FAU's six hits in the game.

Against no. 3 California, the Bears took a 4-0 lead into the fifth before Jessica Braggins led off with a double. Pinch-runner Lauren Evans eventually came home to score on a groundout to make it 4-1. Cavanaugh again went 2-for-3 in the game.

For the day, Cavanaugh went 4-for-6 with a double and the homer. Matthews and Jessica Sachs each had two hits.

Florida Atlantic next takes on Ohio State Saturday at 12:30pm before bracket play begins later in the day.